First-class mail postage across the United States increased to 49 cents, an increase of 3 cents, the largest increase in 11 years

First-class mail postage across the United States increased to 49 cents, the largest increase in 11 years. According to the Associated Press, regulators approved a postage increase plan in December last year...

First-class mail postage across the United States increased to 49 cents, a 3-cent increase, the largest increase in 11 years. According to the Associated Press, regulators approved the postage increase plan in December. But many people won't feel the postage increase anytime soon, because no matter how it increases, the "forever" stamps that have been sold can still be used without adding money. The last time postage increased was a year ago, when the cost of first-class mail increased by 1 cent. The U.S. Postal Service lost $5 billion last year and had planned to stop delivering mail on Saturdays and reduce health care benefits for retirees, but it has not yet been approved by Congress. The Washington Post said that this is the largest increase in 11 years and is expected to last for two years; regulators will then make a decision based on whether the post office can recover losses. Although mail-order companies and the bulk mailing industry filed a lawsuit last week against the postage increase, the increase is still planned for now. The post office has not yet printed new stamps to reflect the change, instead relying on "forever" stamps. The image that appears on the new "Forever" stamp is Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress. Another "Forever" stamp featuring winter flowers will be released on February 14. Postage will rise to 34 cents for postcards; 21 cents for each additional ounce in weight; and 70 cents for a 2-ounce letter. Priority Mail Express costs $19.99.